'Twas on the briny ocean on a whale ship I did go.
I often thought of distant friends, I often thought of home.

Through dreary storms and tempests and through some heavy gales,
Around Cape Horn we sped our way, to look out for sperm whales.

They'll rob you and they'll use you; its worse than any slaves.
Before you go a-whaling, boys, you'd best be in your graves.

It's: “Do it now or, damn your eyes, I'll flog you till you're blue.”
Oh boys, I couldn't tell it all, but every word is true.

The wind do blow and the great seas grow and we strain upon the oars,
And your heart would bleed at the sperm whale's speed and it's: “Pull, you sons of whores!”

The weary chase is over and the stars begin to glow,
And it's: “Light the flares, you lubberly lot, there's tryin' out to do!”

I swore I'd not go back again once we was homeward bound,
For the pleasures are but few, my boys, on them bitter whaling grounds.

'Twas in the schoon-er Kan-da-har, With Cap-tain Wil-liam Shube,
We were a crew of sev-en all told, A hap-py joy-ful crew.
And when we go to do our work We do it joy-ful-ly,
And when we al-so go on shore, We have a joll-ly good spree.

It's also when we go on shore, we dress so very neat.
We try to charm those pretty girls, Which we meet upon the street.
They boldly step up to us And they ask us who we are;
We answer them politely, "From the schooner Kandahar!"

It's then we went to Louisburg A load of coal to take,
Bound down to St. John's, Newfoundland, a quick passage we did make.
Our captain he chartered her there For the island of Barbados.
He says, "We'll get our vessel ready for the favorable winds that blows!"

After thirteen days on passage Our vessel she sprang a leak,
But it not being serious On our same old course did keep.
With the favorable trade-winds a-blowing, We arrived in four days more,
But owing to smallpox raging there We were not allowed on shore.

They wanted to quarantine us; This made our captain mad.
He says, "Give me my orders and I'll go to Trinidad!"
After telegraphing all around, which caused us much delay,
The customs officer came on board and ordered us under way.

So gladly we got under way And went to Trinidad.
After lying there a week or more, Our vessel was leaking bad.
We had to go to St. Thomas's To put her on the slip.
I tell you, there we enjoyed ourselves The best of all that trip!

It's then we went to Sant'mingo, And that's a very good port.
We loaded a load of sugar Bound up to old New York.
With the favorable breezes a-blowing, We were getting right around;
We bid adieu to the Yankee girls, For Lunenburg we were bound.

We arrived safely in Lunenburg, The place we love the best;
We opened a jug of St. Thomas's rum And I guess you'll know the rest!
Now much success to the Kandahar With Captain William Shube,
Likewise mate, cook and sailors! We were a jolly crew.

Oh poor old Reuben Ranzo,
Ch: Ranzo boys, Ranzo,
Oh pity poor Reuben Ranzo,
Ch: Ranzo boys, Ranzo.

Oh Ranzo was no sailor,
So he shipped on board a whaler.

He washed once in a fortnight,
He said it was his birthright.

Oh, Ranzo was no beauty,
He would not do his duty.

So they took him to the gangway,
And they gave him five and thirty.

But the captain was a good man,
Took Ranzo to his cabin.

And he taught him navigation,
To fit him for a station.

And he gave him wine and water,
Introduced him to his daughter.

He married the captain's daughter,
'Cause he did more that he ought to.

Now he sails upon the water,
Captain Ranzo gives the orders.